After a two-year effort, the Staples High School girls softball team today dedicated a new home field at Wakeman Park. A pre-game ceremony thanked those involved In the “Got Field” project. Susan Jacobson, co-chair of the Got Field (l), noted that the new field is complete with dugouts, batting cage, press box and a renewed connection with the community. “Students can now walk to the field to cheer on the softball players,” she said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Several prominent supporters responsible for the new Staples Varsity softball home field at Wakeman Park each threw symbolic first pitches today at a dedication ceremony. Following a pitch thrown by Bill Meyer, a longtime softball league supporter, a pitch was thrown by Ike and Pearl Wakeman’s grandson, Bill Constantino, (above), who threw to catcher Nicola Schenck, a ninth grade Staples student. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Kevin Hoyt, 23, (l) was first place finisher in the 5K Minute Man Race at Compo Beach today with an official time of 15:37 followed by Luke McCambly, 24, with an official time of 15:42.  Both are employed at the Nike store on Westport’s Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Lenny Arias, 28, shows the 10K winner’s trophy today in the 36th annual Minute Man Race at Compo Beach after winning in an official time of 36:38.  Arias, a Bridgeport resident, said he is a cook at Planet Pizza in Shelton and ran in the Minute Man race for the first time.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Today’s 36th annual Minute Man Race at Compo Beach attracted about 1,200 entrants, according to Beth Atlas, race chair. Shortly before race time, there were sunny skies with temperatures in the mid-40s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Crowds were out eatly at Westport’s Compo Beach today for the 36th annual Minute Man Race sponsored by the Westport Young Woman;s League. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Staples High School boys lacrosse team held its annual Sticks for Soldiers event today prior to taking on the Trumbull Eagles. The Sticks for Soldiers charity raises funds to assist and support wounded veterans and their families. Pre-game ceremonial activities included remarks from Jim Tommins, Sticks for Soldiers founder and president and a keynote address by Army Reserve Col. Richard A. Franzis, Staples assistant principal. Westporter Mike Hayes, a recently retired Navy Seals commanding officer, was awarded an honorary membership on the Staples Lacrosse team. Pictured (l-r) are Hayes, Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe,  Franzis, and Tommins. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

About 300 participants took part today in a Fitathlon at Sherwood Island State Park. The new sport is a fitness challenge that tests muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, athleticism and mental toughness. There are 15-20 obstacles that take place over a 5K or 10K distance involving running, climbing, push-ups, jumping and calisthenics. Westport EMS stood by but did not have any patients. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jaime Bairaktaris for WestportNow.com

Staples High School senior Noah Johnson is the 2014 Minute Man t-shirt design contest winner. He received a $100 prize from Nathalie Fonteyne (r), Westport Young Woman’s League president.The 36th annual Minute Man Race, a 5K/10K event, takes place Sunday at Compo Beach. In-person registration is available 9 a.m-3 p.m. Saturday at Performance Physical Therapy, 333 Post Road West, between Kings Highway South and Whole Foods. For more information go to minutemanrace.com or wywl.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo